Motherwort

Motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca, is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and stems from Central Europe and Scandinavia. It’s been long cultivated in Europe to treat conditions of the heart, aid childbirth, combat muscular and uterine cramps and to promote feelings of well-being. In the past, people also used it to treat rheumatism and strengthen veins.

Pharmacological studies have confirmed its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, as well as its effects on the heart and the circulatory system.

Medicinal use of Motherwort

Heart – Motherwort is primarily an herb of the heart in both physical and emotional senses. It strengthens and protects the heart. It controls irregular heartbeat, treats heart palpitations and slows rapid heartbeat. It relaxes heart muscle cells, inhibits the formation of blood clots and treats inflammation of the heart muscle. It decreases blood viscosity which improves blood circulation in the vessels. It also uplifts the spirits and promotes a sense of well-being, a feeling that all is well and everything will work out.

Childbirth – If taken in early labor, Mothertwort eases labor pain and calms the nerves after childbirth. Then, you should wait until the postpartum bleeding stops before taking it again otherwise the bleeding may continue. After the bleeding has stopped, take Motherwort once or two times per day for a few weeks to reduce anxiety and avoid or treat postpartum depression.
Do not use it during pregnancy as it causes uterine contractions which may lead to abortion.

Menstruation – Motherwort helps bring on a delayed menstrual flow, particularly when someone is tense or anxious. It treats excessive menstrual flow as well as absence of menstruation. It soothes uterine cramps by strengthening and relaxing the muscles of the uterus. It also reduces anxiety and hot flashes during menopause. Combined with Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), it regulates menstrual flow.

Constituents

Daily dose

4.5 g leaves for 8-10 weeks

Homemade preparations

Teas

Infusions

Tinctures

Syrup

Douche

Cultivation

Motherwort is easy to grow in most gardens as it is tolerant of most soils and light conditions. Sow the seeds directly in the garden in late Fall and let the winter stratify them for you. In Spring, protect seedlings against slug attack if you have this problem in your garden.
As any member of the mint family, it has the potential of taking over a large area by self seeding profusely, so clip off the flowers before they set seed.

Harvest

Harvest the leaves and flowers in mid to late Summer and use them as soon as you pick them.

Drying

You can also dry them to make your preparations. Just lay the leaves and flowers on a screen for 3 to 5 days. Turn the leaves and flowers on the first two days to ensure even drying. Alternatively, use a dehydrator.

Side effects

None. Motherwort is poisonous if you consume it in large quantities.

Contra-indications

Motherwort causes uterine contractions, so don’t take it if you are pregnant.

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